Ski and Ride School, Director

Alterra • Enumclaw, WA

2d • $83,480 - $116,871 • Onsite

About The Position

Crystal Mountain Resort is seeking an experienced and passionate Ski & Ride School Director to lead and develop its ski and snowboard instruction programs. The Director oversees the Ski & Ride School, with responsibility for guest experience, staff training, program development, and operational excellence. The role requires a dynamic leader with strong communication, organizational, and team-building skills, and a deep passion for winter sports and mountain culture.

The Director recruits, hires, trains, and manages ski and snowboard instructors; develops lesson programs for guests of all ages and ability levels; and promotes a positive, inclusive team culture focused on safety, professionalism, and guest service. The Director also manages the school’s budget, pricing, scheduling, payroll, and operational performance, and works with resort departments to improve guest experience and lesson participation. The role enforces safety policies, coordinates with Ski Patrol and Mountain Operations, and adjusts lesson plans to mountain conditions.

This is a full-time, year-round position based at Crystal Mountain in Washington. The listed wage range is $83,479.54–$116,871.36, and the position is bonus eligible. The role may require evening, weekend, and holiday work while the resort is in operation, and involves working in variable mountain conditions. The Director must be able to ski or ride at an advanced level and occasionally lift or move at least 20 pounds, operate a computer and common office equipment, and stand, walk, or kneel for extended periods.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in ski and snowboard instruction.
• At least 3 years of experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Extensive knowledge of ski and snowboard instruction methodologies and industry best practices.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and coaching skills.
• Excellent organizational and communication abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic mountain environment.
• Proficiency in budgeting, scheduling, and staff management.
• Passion for skiing, snowboarding, and delivering outstanding guest experiences.
• Ability to ski or ride at an advanced level and work in variable mountain conditions.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, or otherwise move and position at least 20 pounds.
• Manual dexterity to occasionally operate a computer and other common office equipment.
• Ability to stand, walk, and kneel for extended periods on an occasional basis.

Nice To Haves

• PSIA/AASI Level 3 Certification or equivalent is strongly preferred.
• Divisional Education Staff experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, hire, train, and manage ski and snowboard instructors.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture that promotes safety, professionalism, and exceptional guest service.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance evaluations for instructors and supervisors.
• Maintain open communication with resort leadership and collaborate on resort-wide initiatives.
• Design and oversee private and group lessons, multi-week programs, and specialty clinics for all ages and ability levels.
• Maintain high-quality instruction, safety standards, and friendly service to support guest satisfaction.
• Implement innovative teaching techniques and training programs.
• Maintain a visible presence on the mountain and interact with guests and instructors to support a positive learning environment.
• Develop and manage the Ski & Ride School budget to support financial efficiency and revenue growth.
• Oversee lesson pricing, scheduling, and instructor payroll to optimize operations.
• Collaborate with Lift Operations, Marketing, Guest Services, and other resort departments to improve the guest experience and drive lesson participation.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and resort policies.
• Enforce resort safety policies and ensure instructors are trained in risk management, emergency procedures, and guest safety.
• Work with Ski Patrol and Mountain Operations to create a safe learning environment.
• Monitor mountain conditions and adjust lesson plans accordingly.

Benefits

• Free Alterra season pass, with unlimited direct-to-lift access at all Alterra resorts.
• Free Alterra season pass for spouse and dependents age 25 and under.
• 50% off window ticket price at IKON partner resorts.
• Free access to Alterra Mountain destinations during time off.
• Free ski-referral letters for use at other mountain resorts during time off.
• Periodic allotment of free friends-and-family day-ski vouchers.
• Discounts on ski and snowboard lessons, rentals, gear tune-ups, food and beverage, and Crystal Mountain retail shops.
• Free Crystal-branded swag.
• Pro deals on gear with hundreds of brands.
• Discount marketplace deals on accessories, auto, electronics, entertainment, fitness, food, home, pet supplies, travel, and more.
• Employee-only night skiing events.
• Employee housing available for eligible positions.
• Accrued paid time off for eligible positions.
• Group health insurance for eligible positions.
• 401(k) benefit with generous match and immediate vesting for staff members over 18.
• Opportunities for growth, advancement, and year-round employment.
• Bonus eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed